Palmerston North Hospital staff have not noticed a promised boost in security, the nurses' union says. Photo:
Palmerston North Hospital staff have not noticed the promised boost in security after a gun-wielding man got into a nurse's car and threatened her after her shift two weeks ago, the nurses' union says.
The nurse was leaving after her shift at about 11pm when the man got into her car, pointed a gun at her and told her to drive. She drove a short distance before getting out of the car and asking for help at a nearby house, and the man ran away.
Police told RNZ they were still searching for the man.
Staff said they were "freaked out" after the incident, and wanted improved security, because access to car parking was limited.
Health NZ immediately boosted security and had temporarily improved staff parking arrangements while it worked on a more permanent solution.
But New Zealand Nurses Organisation Palmerston North delegate Pip Fissenden said staff had not noticed increased security.
"Some staff are trying to encourage a buddy system to walk to cars together but people don't want to wait they just want to go home," she said.
"A couple of staff also said they get dropped off and picked up by a family member now rather than bringing their car."
Health NZ's MidCentral group operations director Sarah Fenwick said staff could request security escorts to their cars, and those working afternoon and night shifts would continue to have access to car parking.
"This measure will remain in place until a permanent solution is finalised and implemented."
Historically all staff could park on site, but demand outstripped availability so the hospital could not continue issuing parking permits to everyone, Fenwick previously told RNZ.
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